FC Basel appoints Slaviša Jokanović as new head coach

FC Basel has appointed Slaviša Jokanović as its new head coach. The decision comes following the departure of Stephan Lichtsteiner due to a poor start to the season. Luigi Nocentini had been serving as the interim manager during the international break while the club sought a long-term solution.

Jokanović, 58, brings extensive experience from various international leagues. His previous roles include managing Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Watford, Fulham, and Sheffield United in England. He also coached Dinamo Moscow, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Al-Gharafa. In Serbia, he achieved significant success with Partizan, winning two domestic doubles.

Nenad Bjelica was also considered a leading candidate for the position, having been linked to the club since 2023. However, the Swiss club ultimately chose Jokanović. The new manager faces an immediate challenge, as Basel currently sits in fourth place, 12 points behind league leaders Lugano.